Louise Skidmore had a vision. It was the late 1950s in Four Points Texas. Skidmore approached Reverend Malcom P. Riker about starting a church. Riker agreed if she could find five families. She did and Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church was born.
Initially Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church met in an abandoned bait house. The bait house lacked water and electricity. Bait tags covered the walls. The congregation built their own altar. The communion rail wobbled. An organ attached to a vacuum cleaner provided music. Despite a leaky roof the congregation sang well.
After a year the bait house sold. Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church faced eviction. In 1962 the Diocese of Texas purchased land for the church. Reverend Riker persuaded them to use a five-acre site. It was far out in the boondocks.
Church members built the original parish hall. Neighbors from other churches helped. They brought food and lunches. Louise Skidmore taught others how to clean rocks for masonry. The first building cost only $5000. Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church held its first Christmas service in December 1962.
By 1965 Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church needed more space. An architectural firm designed a twelve-sided church. It symbolized the 12 apostles and 12 tribes of Israel. A donated 25-foot Celtic cross caps the steeple.
In 1968 Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church achieved parish status. A new hall named Riker Hall included a full kitchen. In 1978 Colonel Ed and Mitzi Berry donated a baptismal font. The 4000-year-old stone came from the Sea of Galilee. It weighed 15400 pounds.
The Women of Saint Luke’s started in 1963. They provided support and financial enrichment. Their bazaars helped fund a new kitchen. The Men of Saint Luke’s formed in 1990. They continued fundraising and building projects.
Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church established a library in the 1960s. Catherine von Merz donated 2000 books. Saint Luke’s stunning views became popular for weddings. Vacation Bible School began in 1977.
Reverend Riker left in 1981. Reverend Roland A. Timberlake became the new leader in 1982. Timberlake served for 20 years. Reverend Michael H. Wyckoff succeeded him. Reverend Justin Yawn became the leader in 2019.
Saint Luke’s on the Lake is known as “The Church With The View”. Founded over 50 years ago, it has grown into a congregation of over 400 families.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church quickly adapted. They live-streamed services and offered virtual activities.
Today Saint Luke’s On The Lake Episcopal Church continues to grow. It serves its community and welcomes all. Its mission is to serve its faith community. It also serves the Four Points community. Saint Luke’s offers activities open to the public. You may come for the view and end up staying for the family.